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Merriam-Webster's word of the day is "prolegomenon," which means "prefatory
remarks; specifically : a formal essay or critical discussion serving to
introduce and interpret an extended work." This is (was?) a new one to me.
The explanation differentiates "prolegomenon" from "prologue:" "'Prologue'
usually refers to an introduction to a literary work or to a speech
addressed to the audience at the beginning of a play. 'Prolegomenon' is most
often used of the introduction to a work of scholarly analysis. Both words
can also be used in a broader sense to refer generally to something that
serves as an introduction."
I'm curious...does anyone know the difference between "prolegomenon" and
"preface" (which is not mentioned in the MW explanation)? Are they
interchangeable, and one is just more common?
Off-list replies are welcome. :-)
Thanks!
--Jenny
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Jenny Igoe
Technical Writer
FGM, Inc.
Dulles, VA
www.fgm.com
